Work-rate. Incisiveness. Nous.
I don't ask for much.
This is how it's gonna be. Build from the ground up.
The Europa League show continues with a chance to cement top spot in the group with a win over the French side in the first of a double-header. Bit of a curious game this, as RedBird own 85% of the French club as well as having a significant stake in FSG. With the likes of City and Chelsea's owners buying up other European clubs and being more directly linked, UEFA have their hands full in preventing such an obvious conflict of interest. Looking at the Toulouse squad and coach, I haven't heard of a single one of them. The only familiar name in their set-up is a certain Damian Comolli, who is their president. Amazing what a mediocre career as a director of football gets you.
We met Toulouse in a Champions League qualifier in 2007. The away leg finished 1-0 so it was a case of seeing out the job back at Anfield as professionally as possible to qualify for the group stage. Rafa had started growing a goatee, we had new American owners, plan for a new stadium on Stanley Park had been unveiled, and we'd spent money on the likes of Torres, Babel and Benayoun. We eased to a 4-0 win thanks to goals from Crouchie, Big Sami and 2 from Dirk as Stevie sat this one out. The night is best remembered for the Z-Cars theme being played before kick-off as the family of Rhys Jones were invited onto the pitch. The shooting of the young Bloo days earlier had united a city in grief as colours were put aside.
I'd expect Jurgen to put out similar sides to the first 2 group games. We are still without the likes of Baj, Thiago and Robbo. Cody might be available for the bench, Queef might be available to start, and I'd expect Curtis to start. Keep it professional, and do all the right things. Concentration, attitude and application as always, from the get-go to the end. 3 points please. Get it done!